Page 21 of Their Diamond Ring Ruse

‘For what?’

‘The kiss.’

Julian swung the steering wheel, pulling over under a large tree. He turned in his seat, studying her intently. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘I—I got carried away, and then I saw the look on your face...’

‘Lily, look at me.’ When she didn’t, he held her chin and forced her to. ‘You have nothing to apologise for. We’re consenting adults, we kissed, and it was good. Clearly there is something here—and if there was anything written on my face it was frustration that I wanted you like that in public.’

She tried to look away, but he wouldn’t let her.

‘Would it help you to know that I want to kiss you again right now? Except that isn’t what this is...so I won’t.’

Julian could see doubt in her eyes as to whether she should believe his words.

‘No one is going to believe you’re happily engaged to me if you’re this tense,’ he told her. ‘Is that what you want?’

‘No,’ she responded softly.

‘You need to be as comfortable with me as you were before.’ He had enjoyed that. Not something he wanted to dwell on right now. ‘Give me your hand.’

‘What?’ She frowned.

‘Give me your hand,’ he repeated.

He waited patiently for her to place her hand in his. Once she did, he held the back of it and placed it on his chest, guiding her hand up and along his shoulder, under his jacket, ignoring the way it seared through him. He took her touch up to the side of his neck, watching the way her breathing had become even and the tension in her body had given way to fascination.

‘I am just a man...’ He let go of her hand, felt her skim it over his cheek, slightly rough from the day’s growth. ‘You’re wearing my ring. You can touch me without apology, Lily.’

Because he liked it. He liked it so much he wanted her to keep touching him.

‘All we have to do is just keep in mind what we’re doing here. What we’re both trying to achieve.’

Lily nodded, pulling her hand away.

* * *

Julian walked Lily to the front door with his hand pressed to her back. Devan’s car was in the driveway, and he wondered if her brother would be watching to find some tell that this was all a ruse. He wanted to tell Lily to touch him, but he didn’t need to. As if she could read his mind, she wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him fiercely.

His own arms automatically came around her in response. He was learning how she felt against him. How small her waist was...how easily he engulfed her.

‘Remember we’re engaged now. If you need anyone, you call me first,’ he instructed her.

Then, because the temptation was too great, he kissed her cheek. And when she let go of him he placed another on her lips.

‘Goodnight, Julian.’ She smiled broadly, then stepped into the house.

He climbed back into his car, ignoring all the things Lily made him feel. It was obviously a side effect of the near celibate life he had been living lately. It was catching up with him now. That was the only explanation.

He refused to dwell on how beautiful Lily had looked on that balcony. How her smile had made him feel, And as he approached his home he put all thought of her aside. Stepping into the modern house set into the cliff, with all its windows offering him unmatched views of the bay, Julian felt the familiar sense of peace that came from being here...alone.

He placed his phone down on the entrance table, and saw a message from Henry flash on the screen.

What are you doing? Lily Shah?!

Julian called his mentor.

‘Are you out of your mind?’ came Henry’s voice, which was coloured with concern. ‘The Shahs and the Harrisons are so intertwined everyone knows she’s meant to end up with Lincoln.’

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